Plasma dose-response studies with noradrenaline and adrenaline in man.
Graded infusions of noradrenaline (n = 25) and adrenaline (n = 30) were performed in normal human subjects. Plasma noradrenaline thresholds for biologic effects were 1,500-2,000 pg/ml, higher than levels achieved under common physiologic conditions. Thus, noradrenaline functions primarily as a sympathetic postganglionic neurotransmitter although it may also function as a hormone in some physiologic and many pathophysiologic states. Plasma adrenaline thresholds were lower - approximately 100 pg/ml for cardiac chronotropic, systolic pressor and lipolytic effects, 150-200 pg/ml for hyperglycemic, glycolytic, ketogenic and diastolic depressor effects and greater than 400 pg/ml for suppression of insulin secretion. Since these levels lie within the physiologic range, adrenaline is likely to be a biologically important regulatory hormone. Further, noradrenaline and adrenaline were found to accelerate their own plasma metabolic clearance rates.
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000097:blood; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000097:blood*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000097:blood; D007700:Kinetics; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000097:blood; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011187:Posture; D012907:Smoking
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D007773:Lactates; D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine